Just a few weeks ago, the award-winning Setai Hotel debuted Jaya {2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 855.923.7899}, a brand-new restaurant concept by Executive Chef Mathias Gervais of “Chopped” fame. Taking the place of what was previously The Restaurant at The Setai, Jaya introduces an entirely new approach to Asian cuisine. DiningOut had the opportunity to dine at the revamped restaurant, and we couldn’t have been more impressed by the quality of food and service.
Chef Gervais, along with Executive Sous Chef Vijayudu “Vijay” Veena, have collaborated to create a mouthwatering menu full of authentic dishes from Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and India, all served family-style. The menu is comprehensive, but not intimidating, and our server guided us with some stellar recommendations.
We started off the evening with drinks from the specialty cocktail menu: the Cucumber Martini and the Setai Cosmo, both equally delicious! For appetizers, we tried the Shrimp Maki, an avocado-wrapped roll with shrimp, puffed rice, salmon roe, and blood orange; and the Wagyu Tataki, with leeks, pickled daikon, and crispy garlic wrapped in the beef sausage-style. And, of course, we couldn’t pass on beginning with the famous Naan Bread, a simple yet flavorful Setai staple that stole the show.
Shrimp Maki
We continued the meal with the Peking Duck (also a longtime Setai menu favorite), served with steamed pancakes (to make your own wrap) and a deliciously sweet plum sauce, and the Hanger Steak Ssam, which was served with red kimchee, ginger, scallions, mint, and lettuce with a green chile relish. Everything that we tried was cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.
Hanger Steak Ssam and Peking Duck
Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. We opted for the sampler, which came with four equally impressive bite-sized treats.
Jaya, which means “victory” in Sanskrit, was chosen to honor The Setai’s distinguished interior designer, Jaya Ibrahim, who recently passed away. The concept is part of the hotel’s culinary re-launch, as it celebrates a decade of unmatched success in Miami Beach and luxurious Asian hospitality. While the name, menu, and overall concept of the restaurant have certainly changed, you can still expect the same impeccable service, caliber of standout dishes, and the sophisticated yet laid-back ambience for which The Setai is known.
—Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor
